Description: Single serving of lemon cake mix and glaze meant to be cooked in the microwave only; includes plastic bowl for cooking.

Preparation summary: Combine cake mix with water in bowl. Squeeze the glaze packet over the mix and cook on high in the microwave for 1 minute and 15 seconds. Let stand for five minutes.

High points: Tart with a semi-natural lemon flavor; fast and convenient; brings back those fond childhood memories of hanging out with gay-friendly girls who shared their Easy Bake ovens with the boys.

Low points: The cake’s texture turns spongy from a lack of convection heat, as the microwave renders the flour flat, resulting in a chalky aftertaste.

Average Retail Price: $1.89

Availability: Major grocery stores

Description: Arborio rice seasoned with chervil and dried mushrooms

Preparation summary: Sauté rice with 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat for 1-2 minutes. Stir in the dry seasonings, plus three cups of hot water or chicken broth and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer until water is absorbed.

High points: Product puts home cooks on the fast track to making risotto, which normally requires concentration and a good deal of practice; but there’s a tradeoff – listed below.

Low points: The rice grains fail to blend into a creamy consistency, a symptom that befalls risotto when liquid isn’t added methodically; mushroom flavor is weak and doesn’t get properly absorbed.

Average Retail Price: $2.39

Availability: Trader Joe’s

Description: New, all-beef kosher breakfast links by Hebrew National

Preparation summary: Skillet-heat pre-cooked sausage in two tablespoons of water over medium heat for 7-9 minutes.

High points: Less gristle and juicier compared to traditional pork sausage, and equally tasty

Low points: None, if you don’t mind salty food

Average Retail Price: $3.59

Availability: Major grocery stores

Description: Flavored fruit drink with natural orange and tangerine juices

Preparation summary: Ready to serve

High points: Refreshing, and with only 15 calories per eight-ounce serving, which means there’s aspartame in the product; but the fake sweetener takes a back seat against the refreshing flavor scheme.

Low points: Contains undisclosed levels of phenylalanine, an amino acid that comprises 50 percent of aspartame; nutrition gurus say that too much phenylalanine in the diet can cause nerve damage, high blood pressure and headaches.

Average Retail Price: $2.29

Availability: Major grocery stores